If you’re a real estate agent exploring new teams or brokerages, there’s a good chance you’re starting the conversation the wrong way.
Most agents immediately ask: “What are your commission splits?”
But that question alone doesn’t tell you what you actually need to know.
A better approach is to dig deeper into how much you truly keep, what support you receive, and what your day-to-day experience will actually look like.
Here are three better questions to ask instead.
1. What do your agents actually take home?
Instead of focusing on splits, focus on net income. Ask what agents at your same production level are actually taking home after all expenses.
Be specific—don’t ask about top producers or rainmakers. Ask about agents who are in a similar stage of business as you. That gives you a much more realistic picture of what your income could look like.
2. What expenses are covered?
This is one of the most overlooked parts of evaluating a brokerage or team.
Ask what they cover for you, such as:
- Leads
- Marketing
- CRM tools
- Training and coaching
- Desk or brokerage fees
- Administrative support
What a brokerage covers (or doesn’t cover) can dramatically change your actual take-home pay.
3. What is the culture really like?
Culture can make or break your long-term success in real estate.
Talk to current agents. Ask what they enjoy about working there, what challenges they face, and how supported they feel in their day-to-day business.
You want to understand the real experience—not just the sales pitch.
Final Thoughts
Commission splits only tell part of the story. Smart agents focus on net income, support, and culture before making a decision.
If you’re interviewing brokerages right now, shift your questions—and you’ll make a much better long-term choice for your business.
